THE EFFECT OF RESILIENCE ON USING COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS AMONG KOREAN AMERICAN OLDER ADULTS DURING COVID-19

Abstract Objectives This study aimed to examine how resilience and perceived racial discrimination are associated with receiving support from ethnic community organizations (ECO) among Korean American older adults during COVID-19. Background With the vulnerability of Korean American older adults and increasing racial discrimination, ethnic community organizations’ roles are important during COVID-19. Although previous studies have proven the association of resilience and racial discrimination with older adults’ well-being, there is little research on how those factors impact using ECO. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 132 first-generation Korean American adults aged 50 or older. A logistic regression analysis was conducted to determine which factors, including resilience, discrimination, age, gender, marriage, health, residence years, Language, and income, within the model made them more likely to receive support from ECO. Results Results showed that a high level of resilience was negatively associated with the use of ECO[OR 0.93, CI 0.87, 0.99]. Korean American older adults who were female [OR 5.60, CI 1.44, 21.50] and lower income [OR 4.42, CI 1.35, 14.48] were more likely to receive support. Those who were healthy [OR 2.15, CI 1.08, 4.26] and had lived longer in the U.S.[OR 1.07, CI 1.00, 1.14] were more likely to use ECO. Conclusion Findings from the study highlight the importance of improving and expanding support for vulnerable ethnic minority older adults in order for them to access services and develop effective coping strategies during the health crisis.


MENOPAUSAL SYMPTOM EXPERIENCE OF MID-LIFE WOMEN FAMILY CAREGIVERS OF PERSONS LIVING WITH ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE
Hyein Kim 1 , Heejung Kim 1 , Glenna Brewster 2 , Wonshik Chee 2 , and Eun-Ok Im 2 , 1. Yonsei University,Seoul,Republic of Korea,2. Emory University,Atlanta,Georgia,United States Midlife women experience a wide range of menopausal symptoms.Such symptoms may be different in midlife women who are family caregivers of persons living with chronic disease, particularly Alzheimer's disease.Because the cultural stigma of dementia differs among racial/ethnic minority groups, midlife minority women tend to feel burdened with family caregiving and report negative health outcomes compared with White women.This study aimed to explore the racial/ethnic differences in menopausal symptom experienced by midlife women who were family caregivers of persons living with Alzheimer's disease (MWPLAD).A secondary data analysis was conducted using the data of a cross-sectional online survey among 172 MWPLAD.Self-report questionnaires including the Midlife Women's Symptom Index were used to gather the data on the women's sociodemographic characteristics, health-related information, and menopausal symptom experience.Descriptive statistics, one-way analysis of variance and multiple linear regression were adopted for the data analysis.There were significant racial/ethnic differences in midlife women's symptoms in the total scores (total frequencies and severity scores) and individual sub-scale scores.Psychological symptoms were reported to be more prevalent in Asian MWPLAD than in other racial/ethnic groups.After controlling for race/ ethnicity, several factors were associated with the menopausal symptoms experienced by MWPLAD, such as household income, history of obstetrics and gynecology diseases, underweight, and restriction to perform daily activities.Our study findings support the racial/ethnic differences in menopausal symptoms experienced by MWPLAD.More culturally competent interventions should be established considering the significant factors that differently affect the women's menopausal symptom experience in different racial/ethnic groups.Racial and ethnic minority is growing in dementia caregiving population.This study aimed to identify racial/ethnic differences in social support and sociocultural factors related to caregiving among minority midlife women who were family caregivers of persons living with Alzheimer's disease (MWPLAD).A secondary data analysis was conducted using the data from a cross-sectional online survey of 172 MWPLADs.Self-report questionnaires were used to collect the data on the caregivers' sociodemographic and caregiving-related characteristics, social support for caregiving, and sociocultural factors for caregiving.Descriptive statistics, one-way analysis of variance, and hierarchical linear regression were adopted for the data analysis.Non-Hispanic Asian caregivers reported lower social support and greater perceived barrier during dementia caregiving than non-Hispanic African-American and Hispanic caregivers (p ≦ .001).Furthermore, non-Hispanic Asian caregivers reported a higher level of discrimination during caregiving, a lower level of cultural justification for reciprocity, and a lower level of cultural justification for duty than non-Hispanic African-American caregivers (p < .001).After controlling for race/ ethnicity and sociodemographic factors, those who received more social support were younger, experienced a lower level of discrimination, and had a higher level of cultural justification for caregiving duties (p < .05).Our study findings support that racial/ethnic differences exist in caregivers' social support.When enhancing social support among racial/ethnic minority caregivers for dementia, it is necessary to develop specific strategies for encouraging each race/ethnicity group in further large-scale studies and clinical practice in the future.Objectives: This study aimed to examine how resilience and perceived racial discrimination are associated with receiving support from ethnic community organizations (ECO) among Korean American older adults during COVID-19.Background: With the vulnerability of Korean American older adults and increasing racial discrimination, ethnic community organizations' roles are important during COVID-19.Although previous studies have proven the association of resilience and racial discrimination with older adults' well-being, there is little research on how those factors impact using ECO.Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 132 first-generation Korean American adults aged 50 or older.A logistic regression analysis was conducted to determine which factors, including resilience, discrimination, age, gender, marriage, health, residence years, Language, and income, within the model made them more likely to receive support from ECO. Results: Results showed that a high level of resilience was negatively associated with the use of ECO[OR 0.93, CI 0.87, 0.99].Korean American older adults who were female [OR 5.60,CI 1.44,21.50]and lower income [OR 4.42,CI 1.35,14.48]were more likely to receive support.Those who were healthy [OR 2.15, CI 1.08, 4.26] and had lived longer in the U.S.[OR 1.07, CI 1.00, 1.14] were more likely to use ECO.Conclusion: Findings from the study highlight the importance of improving and expanding support for vulnerable ethnic minority older adults in order for them to access services and develop effective coping strategies during the health crisis.

SOCIAL DETERMINANTS OF HEALTH, EQUITY, AND AGING
Abstract citation ID: igad104.2342

A GREEN ACTIVITY PRESCRIPTION PROGRAM FOR CHINESE AMERICANS LIVING WITH DEMENTIA
Hayley Belli 1 , Rebecca Lassell 1 , Jun Luo 1 , Lorna Thorpe 1 , Jennifer Wong 2 , Stella Yi 2 , and Abraham Brody 3 , 1. New York University,New York City,New York,United States,2. New York University School of Medicine,New York City,New York,United States,3. NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing,New York City,New York,United States Asian Americans account for approximately 161,000 cases of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (AD/ ADRD) among adults ages 65 and older in the United States.Chinese Americans have among the highest incidences of AD/ADRD, and have experienced underdiagnosis, cultural stigmas, and less access to dementia care.In New York City specifically, 28.6% of Chinese American seniors live in poverty, leading to environmental racism, a lower likelihood of engagement in activities, decreased quality of life, and an increased risk of cognitive decline and developing dementia.Recommendations to support activity engagement among Chinese Americans include fostering social cohesion and linking individuals to local activity resources.Green activity prescriptions (GAPs) are one approach to achieving these objectives, and combine nature, social contexts, and meaningful activities to improve health and well-being.GAPs are co-designed with participants based on their interests, needs, and available community resources.Examples include: animal-assisted interventions, gardening, green exercise (walking), and conservation projects (composting).Past studies have provided evidence that these components have improved well-being for PLWD, supported function, and provided meaningful engagement.Yet, these early studies neglected Chinese Americans.GAPs have potential to support the health and well-being of Chinese American PLWD by addressing health inequalities and providing accessible, low-cost care, all while sustaining local green resources.Here we present the study design and implementation outcomes, including recruitment and engagement strategies, of a GAP intervention utilizing a community-based participatory approach aimed at supporting the health and well-being of Chinese American PLWD residing in lower-socioeconomic households within Brooklyn, NY.The COVID-19 pandemic disproportionately affected older adults, who were at heightened risk for COVID-19 morbidity and mortality, as well as social isolation.Challenges to accessing health information and vaccine resources were amplified among older immigrants due to language barriers, lack of established social networks, and experiences of systemic discrimination.Considering the surge of anti-Asian violence across the country and the high-profile violent incidents targeting Asian older adults, our analysis focuses on the lived experiences of older Chinese immigrants during the pandemic in New York City (NYC).To describe the support needed during the pandemic to inform service delivery, we conducted in-depth interviews with 9 low-income Chinese adults over 65 about their experiences in coping with COVID-19.Interviews were transcribed and subjected to inductive thematic analysis.Results show that driven by the pro-vaccination and science norms in China, participants shared an overall positive attitude towards vaccines and exhibited extraordinary resilience to COVID-misinformation.However, COVID-19 and anti-Asian violence amplified each other.Fear of contracting COVID-19 due to perceived age-related vulnerability and fear of anti-Asian violence were prevalent, leading to self-protective withdrawal and deferred health care.Many expressed concerns about traveling to public places alone.Deeply frustrated with the government's role in controlling violent crimes, some participants decided to stay home indefinitely to evade trouble.Mechanisms to draw out people who have socially withdrawn are needed.Senior service providers in NYC should initiate discussions about perceived safety and implement peer buddy systems to enhance post-pandemic quality of life for Asian older adults.

THE EFFECT OF RESILIENCE ON USING COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS AMONG KOREAN AMERICAN OLDER ADULTS DURING COVID-19
Eunhye Kim 1 , Hyesu Yeo 2 , and Y.Joon Choi 3 , 1. Augusta University, Evans, Georgia, United States, 2. University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, United States, 3. Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States

WAY FOR US TO STAY SAFE IS TO HIDE": THE EXPERIENCES OF OLDER CHINESE IMMIGRANTS DURING COVID-19 IN NYC Yiyi
Wu 1 , Mark Brennan-Ing 2 , and Ruth Finkelstein 1 , 1. Hunter College, City University of New York, New York City, New York, United States, 2. Hunter College, CUNY, New York City, New York, United States